Video scope and portable accommodation case therefor

ABSTRACT

A video scope has an entry section which can advance into an object; and a grip section which is disposed at the back of the entry section and to be held by an operator, wherein a light reflecting body, an objective lens, a solid-state image pickup device, a light source, a window of incidence for image pickup rays and illumination windows located in the vicinities of the window of incidence are disposed in the entry section, and wherein at least a power source is disposed in the grip section for driving the light source. A portable accommodation case has an accommodation space for accommodating the video scope; and a lid which has a thin display attached thereto, and can rotate freely and stop at an optional position, wherein the thin display is capable of displaying an image which is picked up by the video scope.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a video scope which comprises asolid-state image pickup device such as a CCD.

[0003] 2. Related Art of the Invention

[0004] In the recent years, video scopes which utilize CCDs are used infields of dental surgery and oral surgery for diagnosing affected partsin oral cavities. Such video scopes are classified into two types: onewhich transmits an illumination rays beam through optical fibers andleads an image of an object to be observed through transfer means suchas a lens to a solid-state image pickup device disposed outside an oralcavity like a video scope disclosed by Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 4-176436 and the other type which leads an image of anobject to be observed through image fibers to a solid-state image pickupdevice disposed outside an oral cavity like a video scope disclosed byJapanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-246347.

[0005] According to a conventional art disclosed by Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 4-176436, optical fibers used in a lightleading path for illumination require disposing lenses and prisms tocondense rays onto a section of incidence and project rays to aprojector window, and must be disposed in complicated forms so that theyare accommodated in a video scope. However, optical fibers which are aptto be easily broken when bent steeply can hardly be stretched to a tipof a video scope and this conventional art hardly allows a number ofrequired parts to be reduced.

[0006] Further, this conventional art is configured to connect anelectric cable from an external camera circuit to a grip section of avideo scope body and connect a optical fiber cable from an externallight source box to the grip section, thereby making the video scopeequipped with two cables, heavy and low in operability thereof. Further,there is available an electric cable which has built-in optical fibersand is formed as a single cord. When such a cord which is thick and longis connected to a grip section of a video scope body, however, itdegrades operability of a video scope or makes it rather inconvenientfor handling like the plurality of cables.

[0007] Furthermore, a conventional art disclosed by Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 62-246347 or No. 4-176436 is configured todispose an image pickup device not in a tip to be located in thevicinity of an oral cavity but in a rear section such as a grip section,thereby requiring image transfer means such as image fibers or a lenswhich has a long optical path. However, the image transfer means such asimage fibers or a lens having a long optical path makes a video scopecomplicated in structure and expensive.

[0008] In view of the problems described above, a primary object of thepresent invention is to provide a video scope which is simple, easy tohandle and inexpensive enough for domestic use while requiring noexternal camera circuit, external power source, external light source orlight leading path for illumination.

[0009] Apart from the discussion made above, it is emphasized to findand treat decayed teeth in early stages along with a movement to leave20 teeth at an age of 80 which is promoted by the Ministry of Health andWelfare, etc. Under the current circumstances, babies and children arechecked for decayed teeth at health centers and schools, and subjectedto treatments after their decayed are pointed out, whereas adult peoplehave small occasions of dental inspection and generally go to dentist'safter they feel toothache. In such cases, teeth are badly decayed,thereby requiring many days and high costs for treatments. For checkingconditions of teeth at home, it is general to observe the teeth with asingle mirror or a combination of such a mirror and a commerciallyavailable dental mirror which has a small diameter. However, it isdifficult to find decayed teeth at early stages since a single mirrorhardly serves for observing sides and rear surfaces of teeth at theback, and even a dental mirror which has a small diameter is ineffectiveto understand complicated occulusions and cannot provide magnifiedimages. It is therefore demanded to obtain a domestic video scope whichis inexpensive and easy to use.

[0010] Though a video scope must be strictly sterilized before use, itis not easy to sterilize its portion which comprises an opticalmechanism and, it is remarkably difficult from viewpoints of techniqueand time to completely sterilize even a business video scope which isused by dentists each time an operator shifts to another.

[0011] It is much more difficult to sterilize a video scope in adomestic environment. Even within a family, articles which are used inoral cavities such as tooth brushes are prepared not for common use butfor individual use. It is hesitative to use a video scope which has notbeen sterilized even if it has been washed.

[0012] Therefore, a cover or the like is fitted over an video signalinput section of a video scope. However, people judge a cover as insanitary from a fear that a thin cover such as a vinyl sack may bebroken or that saliva may penetrate through a cover.

[0013] When a cover is only fitted over the video signal input section,it is fearful that the cover comes off during use and constitutes a riskof penetration into a throat.

[0014] In view of the problems described above, another object of thepresent invention is to provide a safe video scope which is free from ahygienic fear such as injection and accident of dropping of a cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A first video scope according to the present invention(corresponding to claim 1) is characterized in that it comprises anentry section which can advance into an object, a grip section which isdisposed at the back of the entry section so as to be held by anoperator: a light reflecting body, an objective lens, a solid-stateimage pickup device, a light source, a window of incidence for imagepickup rays and illumination windows located in the vicinities of thewindow of incidence being disposed in the entry section, whereas anelectric power source for driving at least the light source beingdisposed in the grip section.

[0016] A second video scope according to the present invention ischaracterized in that an electric circuit for the solid-state imagepickup device and a circuit for this solid-state image pickup device aredisposed in the grip section of the first video scope.

[0017] A third video scope according to the present invention(corresponding to claim 14) is characterized in that it comprises anentry section which accommodates a light source for emitting rays, aphotographing window which allows rays coming from an object to passtherethrough, condenser means which condenses rays emitted from theobject and having passed through the photographing window, an imagepickup device for converting rays condensed by the condenser means intoelectric signals and an electric circuit for driving the image pickupdevice; a grip section which is to be held by an operator of the videoscope; and a cover which covers the entry section, and can be fitted andremoved over and from the entry section.

[0018] A fourth video scope according to the present invention(corresponding to claim 15) is characterized in that a portion of thecover which corresponds to the photographing window when the cover ofthe third video scope is fitted over the entry section is made of asubstantially transparent resin.

[0019] A fifth video scope according to the present invention(corresponding to claim 16) is characterized in that the electriccircuit of third or fourth video scope drives only when the cover isfitted over the entry section.

[0020] A sixth video scope according to the present invention(corresponding to claim 17) is characterized in that fitting operationfor the cover of any one of the third through fifth video scope isinterlocked with the driving of the electric circuit.

[0021] A seventh video scope according to the present invention(corresponding to claim 18) is characterized in that the cover of anyone of the third through sixth video scope has a discriminating sectionpeculiar to the cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is an external view of a video scope preferred as a firstembodiment of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the video scope preferred as thefirst embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the video scope preferred asthe first embodiment of the present invention:

[0025]FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the video scopepreferred as the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged sectional view of the video scopepreferred as the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged perspective view of a second videoscope preferred as the first embodiment of the present invention whichis different from that shown in FIG. 4;

[0028]FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged side sectional view of a video scopepreferred as a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a video scope preferred asa third embodiment of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 9 is a partial view of three surfaces of the video scopepreferred as the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged sectional view of the video scopepreferred as the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the video scope preferredas the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 12 is a partial side view of the second video scope preferredas the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 13 is an external view of a video scope which is accommodatedin a case with a display preferred as a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0035]FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a video scope preferredas a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0036]FIG. 15 is an external view of a video scope preferred as a sixthembodiment of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 16 is an external view illustrating the video scope preferredas the sixth embodiment of the present invention in a condition where acover is removed; and

[0038]FIG. 17 is a side view including a partial sectional view of thevideo scope preferred as the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Now, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 through 17.

[0040] (First Embodiment)

[0041]FIG. 1 is an external view of a video scope preferred as the firstembodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of thevideo scope, FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the video scope, FIG. 4is a partial enlarged perspective view and FIG. 5 is a partial enlargedsectional view.

[0042] In FIGS. 1 through 5, a reference numeral 1 represents an entrysection which is to advance into an oral cavity and a reference numeral2 designates a grip section which is to be held by a hand of anoperator. A window of incidence 3 made of a light transmissive glassmaterial, resin material or the like is hermetically fixed to a sidesurface of the entry section 1 in the vicinity of a tip thereof, and animage pickup system which consists of a prism mirror 5 used as anexample of reflecting body for sideward observation, an objective lens 6and a CCD unit 7 is built in the tip of the entry section 1.Illumination windows 4 for light projection are disposed on both sidesof the window of incidence 3 so that illumination rays emitted fromsurface mount type white LEDs 8 (Nichia Chemical Industries, Co., Ltd.)mounted on a substrate 8 a are projected to the illumination windows 4.The white LEDs 8 are arranged on both sides of the prism mirror 5 andfixed in close contact with the illumination windows 4. Top surfaces ofthe LEDs 8 are flush with a top surface of the prism mirror 5 as shownin FIG. 5.

[0043] The illumination rays are projected directly to the illuminationwindows 4 so that they are lost at a low ratio and used efficiently.Further, the white LEDs 8 are molded integrally with the illuminationwindows 4 to reduce a number of required parts and simplify assemblingprocedures.

[0044] Further, the white LEDs 8 are used as a light source so thatpower consumption is lower than that of lamps. The white LEDs 8 have along service life and require no exchange with new ones.

[0045] An iris diaphragm (not shown) is arranged between the objectivelens 6 and the prism mirror 5.

[0046] Disposed in the grip section 2 are a camera circuit 9 whichoperates the CCD unit 7 and the white LEDs 8, and a power source 10which drives the camera circuit 9 and the white LEDs 8. Built in thecamera circuit 9 are a voltage detection circuit which detects a voltagedrop in the power source 10 below a predetermined level, a flickeringcircuit which flickers the white LEDs 8 and a video output interceptioncircuit which turns off a video output. While the power source 10supplies a voltage at a sufficient level, the white LEDs 8 always staylit so far as the video output is turned on. When the power sourcesupplies a voltage lower than the predetermined level, however, thevoltage detection circuit actuates and flickers the white LEDs 8 andturns off the video signals with the video signal interception circuit.

[0047] Usable as the power source 10 are low voltage cells such asalkaline batteries, lithium cells or rechargeable cells. These cells areexchangeably mounted in a power source holder 10 a over which awatertight O ring 10 b, for example, is fitted and the power sourceholder 10 a is set in the grip section 2. Alternately, a combination ofa detachable cell pack and a charger may be used as the power source 10.

[0048] A video output cable 11 which is to be connected to a displaysuch as a monitor TV is taken out of a rear portion of the grip section2. A section of this video output cable which ranges rearward frominside the grip section 2 is made watertight.

[0049] A reference numeral 12 represents a switch which is watertightlydisposed on the grip section 2 to turn on and the camera circuit 9. Thisswitch may be used to turn on and off not only the camera circuit 9 butalso the white LEDs 8 at the same time, or switchable at three steps: afirst step to turn off the camera circuit 9 and the white LEDs 8, asecond step to turn on the camera circuit 9, and a third step to turn onthe white LEDs 8. Wiring to the power source 10, the camera circuit 9,the CCD unit 7, the white LEDs 8 and the switch 12 will not be describedin particular.

[0050] The video scope preferred as the first embodiment of the presentinvention has a simple configuration which consists of an image pickupsystem, a power source and a light source integrated with one another,and equipped only with video cable, thereby featuring excellentportability.

[0051] Further, the video scope preferred as the first embodiment whichcomprises the voltage detection circuit informs a voltage drop byintercepting the video output while flickering the white LEDs andexpresses a trouble in the image pickup system as a condition where noimage is formed or an image is disturbed without flickering the whiteLEDs 8 but keeping them lit, thereby allowing an operator to easilydiscriminate disturbance of an image due to an insufficient voltage fromdisturbance of image due to a trouble in the image pickup system itself.to easily know a time for exchanging the power source with a new one andfacilitating to handle the video scope. Further, the video scope whichallows no disturbed image to be observed prevents a judgment to be madeon the basis of an erroneous image in recognition of discolorationcaused due to a swollen gum.

[0052] Furthermore, the video scope which comprises the image pickupsystem disposed in the vicinity of the tip of the entry section 1 takesan image of an object directly from the CCD unit, thereby requiring noimage transfer means such as relay lenses and lessens degradation inimage qualities. Moreover, the video scope is composed watertight as awhole and can easily be washed.

[0053] When the video scope is connected to a monitor TV, it permitsobserving conditions of teeth and gums which can hardly be recognized byeyes, thereby facilitating to check teeth for tartar and decayedconditions.

[0054]FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged perspective view of anotherembodiment, wherein light leading plates 8 b which are made of thinlight transmissive glass or transparent resin and have a shape of aninverted trapezoid are fixed in close contact with side surfaces ofwhite LEDs 8, and a substrate 8 c is disposed in a space under a slantsurface of a prism mirror 5. In this embodiment, upper end surfaces 4 aof the light leading plates 8 b are kept in close contact withillumination windows 4. When the upper end surfaces are configured tohave a thin width, it is possible to allow illumination rays of the sameamount to emerge from surfaces which are thinner than those used in thecase where the LEDs 8 are kept in close contact with the illuminationwindow 4 as shown in FIG. 4, thereby narrowing the image pickup system,and the entry section thinner and more compact. When the LEDs 8 are tobe used in an increased number to enhance luminance, they can bearranged in parallel with each other on a single substrate 8 c.

[0055]FIG. 12 is a partial side view of a tip of an entry section 41,wherein formed on a surface of incidence of the entry section 41 is afreely foldable rod like positioning member 42 which is accommodated inthe entry section 41 in a folded condition and has a length equal to afocal length in a protruding condition. This positioning member 42 mayhave a plate like shape.

[0056] By forming the positioning member 42 and bringing it into contactwith an object 43 to be observed, it is possible to hold a video scopealways in focus with the object 43 to be observed, thereby reducingmanual vibrations and obtaining stable images.

[0057] (Second Embodiment)

[0058]FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of a tip of an entry section ofa video scope, wherein main configuration of a video scope body issimilar to that of the first embodiment. A CCD unit 7 and a prism mirror16 for sideward observation are built in the tip of the entry section 1,and an objective lens 17 is fixed on a side of incidence of the prismmirror 16. A reference numeral 18 represents a window of incidence whichis made of glass material, a transparent resin material or the like andhermetically fixed to the entry section 1. A rear stop 16 a for theobjective lens 17 is integrally formed by printing or the similartechnique on a surface of incidence of the prism mirror 16 and a stop 18a is integrally formed by printing or the similar technique on a surfaceof the window of incidence 18 which is located on a side of theobjective lens 17.

[0059] A small prism mirror 17 is usable to obtain a required visualfield when rays are incident onto the CCD unit 7 directly from the prismmirror 16 as described above though the prism mirror 16 must be largeenough not to eclipse a visual field of the objective lens 17 when theobjective lens 17 is located before the CCD unit 7 and on the side ofincidence of the prism mirror 16.

[0060] When a small prism mirror is usable as described above, it ispossible to thin the entry section 1 by using a small prism mirror, andreduce a number of required parts for reduction of a manufacturing costof a video scope by forming a stop integrally by printing or the similartechnique.

[0061] (Third Embodiment)

[0062]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an imaging optical part 21, FIG. 9is a view illustrating three surfaces of the imaging optical part 21 andFIG. 10 is a partial enlarged sectional view of the imaging optical part21 taken along an A—A line. In FIGS. 8 through 10, a reference numeral21 represents the imaging optical part to be used in an entry section ofa video scope. This video scope has a body having a main configurationwhich is similar to that of the first embodiment. The imaging opticalpart 21 consists of a prism mirror section 22 and a window of incidence23 which are formed as an integral molding of a transparent resin suchas transparent acrylic resin which is a light transmissive material.Illumination windows 24 for light projection are disposed on both sidesrespectively of the window of incidence 23 and white LEDs are fixedunder the illumination windows 24. A side of incidence of theillumination window 24 is formed in a shape of a lens 25 which condensesillumination rays coming from the white LEDs, whereas a light dispersingsurface, for example, a diffraction grating 26 for light dispersion isformed on a side of emergence.

[0063] An illumination range can be broadened and uniform illuminationcan be performed by forming the diffraction grating 26 for lightdispersion, and illumination rays can be utilized with a higherefficiency by condensing the illumination rays coming from the whiteLEDs with the form of lens 25. Dependently on locations of the whiteLEDS, a small portion of rays emerging from the white LED may bereflected by the window of incidence 23, etc. and enter the prism mirrorsection 22, thereby producing the so-called flare phenomenon on asurface of an image. However, it is possible to prevent leaking raysfrom entering the prism mirror section 22 by forming notches between theillumination windows 24 and the prism mirror section 22, and integrallyburying light shielding parts 27 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0064] The white LEDs may be located not on a side surface of the prismmirror 22, but on a slant surface of the prism mirror 22, or on a tip ofan entry section, as indicated by a chain line in FIG. 9 so that raysare projected therefrom.

[0065] In FIG. 11, a reference numeral 31 represents an imaging opticalpart formed as an integral molding which is made of a transparent resinsuch as a transparent acrylic resin which is a light transmissivematerial, and consists of a prism mirror section 32, a window ofincidence 33 and an objective lens section 34. Illumination windows forlight projection are disposed in the window of incidence 33, white LEDsare fixed to these illumination windows like those described above, acondenser lens is formed on a side of incidence of illumination rays asshown in FIG. 10 and diffraction gratings 35 for dispersing rays areformed on a side of emergence.

[0066] These imaging optical parts 21 and 31 make it possible to reducea number of required parts, simplify assembling procedures, and moreoverlessen a weight of a video scope and lower a manufacturing cost thereofsince they are formed as an integral molding of resin.

[0067] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0068]FIG. 13 is an external view of a portable case which is equippedwith a display and a video scope. A reference numeral 51 represents avideo scope comprising an image pickup system consisting of asolid-state image pickup device, a lens and a prism mirror for sidewardobservation which are disposed in a tip of an entry section 51 a, and acircuit for the solid-state image pickup and a power source disposed ina grip section 51 b. A reference numeral 52 designates a portable casewith a display consisting of a body 53 and a lid 54 which is hinged by aside of the body 53 so that it can open and close while freely rotating,and can stop at an optional position. This lid 54 comprises a displayunit 55 which uses a thin display such as a liquid crystal cell.Disposed in the body 53 are an accommodator 56 for accommodating thevideo scope 51, an equipment accommodator 57 for accommodating exchangecovers, optical adapters (not shown) for observing ear holes and skins,etc., an illumination stand 58 which can be freely folded, elongated andcontracted, and a mirror (not shown).

[0069] The display unit 55 and the illumination stand 58 are driven by abattery or an AC power source (not shown) which is connected thereto.The video scope 51 is connected to the display unit 55 directly or byway of a terminal which is connectable also to a separate monitor TV.

[0070] The illumination stand 58 is usable as an auxiliary illuminationlamp for illuminating an oral cavity when the video scope is used in adark environment.

[0071] The mirror which is fixed to the body 53 is usable for observinga face as a whole, and recognizing a portion whose image is to be pickedup and an oral cavity as a whole. This mirror may be fixed to the lid 54and a surface of the display unit 55 may be formed as a half mirror sothat it has a function of an ordinary mirror.

[0072] As understood from the above, when the video scope 51 isaccommodated in the portable case with the display unit 55, the videoscope can easily be carried and used conveniently at a location where nomonitor TV is available or in an outdoor environment.

[0073] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0074]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a video scope preferred as afifth embodiment of the present invention. This video scope has a bodywhich has a main configuration similar to that of the first embodiment.Speaking concretely, the video scope comprises an image pickup systemconsisting of a CCD unit, a lens and a prism mirror for sidewardobservation in addition to white LEDs which are disposed in tip of anentry section 1 a, has an incidence window 3 and illumination windows 4,and a camera circuit and a power source disposed in a grip section 2.

[0075] A flexible portion 1 b which can be bent and fixed at an optionalangle is formed as a portion, for example a middle portion or nearby, ofthe entry section 1 a. This flexible portion 1 b may be located within arange from the middle portion to the grip section 2 or around a borderbetween the entry section 1 a and the grip section 2. The flexibleportion 1 b may be, for example, a bellows like bendable portion, aflexible tube covered with a rubber sheath or a combination of spiraltubes so far as it can be bent, fixed at an optional angle and handledfreely.

[0076] The video scope can be fixed at an optional angle by bending theflexible portion 1 b of the entry section 1 a, The flexible portion 1 bmay be bent by hand or with a tool such as a lever.

[0077] The video scope which has the flexible section 1 b does notoblige an operator to take an unnatural attitude for holding the videoscope, lessens fatigue of his hands or facilitates to handle the videoscope and is usable to observe a location which cannot be observedstraightly.

[0078] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0079]FIG. 15 is an external view of a video scope preferred as thesixth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is an external viewillustrating the video on a condition where a cover is removed from thevideo scope and FIG. 17 is a side view including a partial sectionalview of the video scope.

[0080] In FIGS. 15 through 17, a reference numeral 61 represents a videoscope consisting of an entry section 62 which is to be advanced into anoral cavity by an operator of the video scope and a grip section 63which is to be held by a hand of the operator. A photographing window 64made of a light transmissive glass material or a transparent resin ishermetically fixed to a side surface in the vicinity of a tip of theentry section 62, and an image pickup system (not shown) which consistsof a prism mirror for sideward observation, an objective lens, an irisdiaphragm and a CCD unit is built in the entry section 62. The CCD unitmay be built in the grip section 63 and an image may be transferred fromthe entry section 62 through image guide fibers. Further, illuminationrays which are emitted from white LEDs disposed in the vicinities of thetip are projected through the photographing window 64.

[0081] Disposed in the grip section 93 are a camera circuit (not shown)for operating the CCD unit, and a power source for driving the cameracircuit and the white LEDs. Usable as the power source are low voltagecells such as alkaline batteries, lithium cells, rechargeable cell or acombination of a detachable cell pack and a charger. A control button(not shown) for turning on and off the camera circuit is disposed on thegrip section 63 and a video output cable 71 which is to be connected toa display unit such as a TV is taken out of a rear surface of the videoscope.

[0082] A tapered rear entry section 62 a is disposed at the back of theentry section 62, or on a side of the grip section 63, and a step isformed between the entry section 62 and the rear entry section 62 a. Anopening 65 for switch is watertightly formed in an end surface of thestep between the entry section 62 and the rear entry section 62 a, and aswitch 65 a for turning on the power source is disposed in a depth ofthis opening 65. Further, a fixing cavity 66 or a plurality of fixingcavities 66 are formed in the tapered surface of the rear entry section62 a.

[0083] A reference numeral 67 represents a cover which covers the entrysection 62 and the rear entry section 62 a. The cover 67 is entirelymade of a transparent resin or only a tip window portion 70 whichcorresponds to the photographing window 64 when the cover is fitted onthe grip section 63 is made of the transparent resin and the restportion is made of a colored resin so that the cover is washable. Thetip window portion 70 has a planar surface at a location whichcorresponds to the photographing window 64 of the entry section 62. Aprotrusion 68 for depressing the switch 65 a and a fixing protrusion 69or a plurality of fixing protrusions 69 are integrally formed in atapered opening 67 a of the cover 67.

[0084] When the operator fits the cover 67 over the entry section 62while adequately turning the cover 67 so that the tip window portion 70corresponds to the photographing window 64 of the entry section 62, theprotrusion 68 for switch formed in the tapered opening 67 a is insertedinto the opening 65 for switch formed in the rear entry section 62 a.When the cover 67 is further fitted, the protrusion 68 for switchdepresses the switch 65 a in the opening 65, thereby turning on thepower source of the video scope 61. When the power source of the videoscope 61 is turned on, the video scope can be driven with the controlbutton, and the camera circuit and the white LEDs are operated byturning on the control button. When the power source of the video scope61 is turned on, the fixing protrusion 69 of the cover 67 is insertedfits into the fixing cavity 66 of the rear entry section 62 a, therebyfixing the cover 67.

[0085] When the control button is turned on in this condition, an imageis formed on a display unit such as a TV to which the video output cable71 is connected.

[0086] As for a configuration to activate the switch, electric terminalsmay be disposed at locations on the cover 67 and the entry section 62which are to be brought into contact with each other so that the videoscope can be electrically energized when the cover 67 is fitted. Such aconfiguration will not be described in details since variousconfigurations are conceivable by combining the known techniques. To fitand fix the cover 67, it is possible, for example, to adopt aconfiguration of a tapping formed in the vicinity of the opening of thecover 67 and a ring screw disposed on the grip section 63 so that thecover can be screwed and fixed over the ring screw, the switch is turnedon by turning the ring screw and the power source is turned on byfitting the cover. Further, the entry section 62 may have a form whichis not cylindrical and the photographing window 64 may be located not onthe side surface but on the tip of the entry section 62.

[0087] That is, the video scope is configured so that the power sourceis turned on (set in an electrically energized condition) or becomesusable by fitting and fixing the cover 67, or a voltage is not supplied,the camera circuit and the power source are not operated even bymanipulating the control button, and the video scope is unusable so faras the cover 67 is correctly fitted and fixed. Further, it is possibleto omit the control button, and configure the video scope so that thepower source and the camera circuit are driven simply by fitting andfixing the cover 67.

[0088] Since the power source or the power source and the camera circuitcannot operate so far as the cover 67 is not fitted, the video scopecannot be used in an insanitary condition or without the cover 67.Further, the videoscope prevents accidents such as swallowing of thecover which comes off during use, or suffocation since the cover isdifferent from a vinyl sack or a cover which is fitted simply andloosely.

[0089] When a color line is traced on the cover 67 or it is colored asdescribed above, it can easily be recognized so that each person can usea cover which is prepared for his exclusive use and is free from a fearof insanitation such as infection.

[0090] The video scope 61 may be used as a part of a magnifier fordisplay on a TV. In such a case, the cover 67 may be used in a specificfield, for example, observation of skins, head skins or insects.

[0091] Mass production of the cover 67 which is made of a resin willserve for lowering of a manufacturing cost thereof and making the coverdisposable.

[0092] As understood from the foregoing description, the presentinvention makes it possible to obtain an inexpensive video scope whicheliminates the necessity to use expensive parts such as relay lenses andparts of optical fibers having complicated forms, allows powerconsumption to be lowered by using white LEDs, permits simplifyingassembling procedures and lowering a manufacturing cost by utilizingsimple dry element cells, facilitates handling by flicking a powersource to inform a time for exchanging the dry element cells and is aptto prevail for domestic use.

[0093] As apparent from the foregoing description, the invention asclaimed in claim 14 is capable of providing a video scope whicheliminates a fear of insanitation by fitting a cover over an entrysection of the video scope and substantially completely prevents thecover from coming off.

[0094] Further, the video scope according to the present invention asclaimed in claim 16 obliges a cover to be fitted by an operator beforeuse since it is configured so that fitting of the cover is a factorindispensable for turning on a power source, or so that the video scopedoes not operate so far as the cover is fitted and fixed correctly.Accordingly, this video scope gives a feeling of hygienical safety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A video scope comprising: an entry section whichcan advance into an object; and a grip section which is disposed at theback of said entry section and to be held by an operator, wherein alight reflecting body, an objective lens, a solid-state image pickupdevice, a light source, a window of incidence for image pickup rays andillumination windows located in the vicinities of the window ofincidence are disposed in said entry section, and wherein at least apower source is disposed in said grip section for driving said lightsource.
 2. A video scope according to claim 1 , wherein said solid-stateimage pickup device, said objective lens, said light reflecting body andsaid window of incidence are arranged in this order.
 3. A video scopeaccording to claim 1 , wherein said solid-state image pickup device,said light reflecting body, said objective lens and said window ofincidence are arranged in this order.
 4. A video scope according to anyone of claims 1 through 3, wherein said light source is composed ofwhite LEDs.
 5. A video scope according to any one of claims 1 through 3,wherein said light source is composed of white LEDs.
 6. A video scopeaccording to any one of claims 1 through 3, wherein said light source iscomposed of white LEDs.
 7. A video scope according to claim 2 , whereinsaid light source and said illumination windows are formed as anintegral structure by molding these members integrally or keeping andfixing these members in close contact with one another.
 8. A video scopeaccording to claim 1 , wherein said light source is disposed under areflecting surface of said reflecting body and wherein light leadingmembers which lead illumination rays to said illumination windows aredisposed between said illumination windows and said light source, andbeside said reflecting surface.
 9. A video scope according to claim 2 ,wherein said reflecting body, said window of incidence and saidillumination windows are made of a transparent resin which is a lighttransmissive material and integrally formed.
 10. A video scope accordingto claim 1 , wherein condenser lenses which condense said illuminationrays are formed integrally with surfaces of incidence of saidillumination windows and dispersion surfaces for dispersing rays areformed integrally with surfaces of emergence of said illuminationwindows.
 11. A video scope according to claim 1 , wherein a foldablefocal point positioning member is disposed on a surface of incidence ofsaid entry section.
 12. A video scope according to claim 1 furthercomprising: a voltage detection circuit which detects a voltage drop insaid power source; and a flickering circuit which flickers said lightsource, wherein said flickering circuit operates on the basis of adetection output from said detection circuit.
 13. A video scopeaccording to claim 1 further comprising: a voltage detection circuitwhich detects a voltage drop in said power source; and a video outputvariation circuit which varies a video output from said solid-stateimage pickup device on the basis of a detection output from saiddetection circuit.
 14. A video scope according to claim 1 , wherein aflexible portion which is capable of maintaining an optional bentcondition is formed in said entry section.
 15. A portable accommodationcase comprising: an accommodation space for accommodating a video scopeas claimed in any one of claims 1 through 12; and a lid which has a thindisplay attached thereto, and can rotate freely and stop at an optionalposition, wherein said thin display is capable of displaying an imagewhich is picked up by said video scope.
 16. A video scope comprising: alight source for emitting rays; a photographing window allowing rayscoming from an object to transmit therethrough; a condenser means forcondensing rays which are emitted from said object and have passedthrough said photographing window; an image pickup device for convertingrays condensed by said condenser means into electric signals; anelectric circuit for driving said image pickup device; an entry sectionwhich accommodates at least said light source, said photographing windowand said condenser means; a grip section to be held by an operator ofthe video scope; and a cover which covers said entry section, and can befitted and removed over and from said entry section.
 17. A video scopeaccording to claim 16 , wherein at least a portion of said cover whichcorresponds to said photographing window when said cover is fitted oversaid entry section is made of a substantially transparent resin.
 18. Avideo scope according to claim 16 , wherein said electric circuit isdriven only while said cover is fitted over said entry section.
 19. Avideo scope according to claim 17 , wherein said electric circuit isdriven only while said cover is fitted over said entry section.
 20. Avideo scope according to claim 16 , wherein said electric circuit isdriven in conjunction with a fitting operation of said cover.
 21. Avideo scope according to claim 16 , wherein said cover has adiscriminating portion peculiar to said cover.
 22. A video scopeaccording to claim 20 , wherein said cover has a discriminating portionpeculiar to said cover.